Native Plants Are Key For Jose Mier
I’ve been doing a lot of writing and talking about water conservation and the efforts of the Los Angeles County has made and is making in that regard. Efforts to capture rainwater are taking place right here in Sun Valley and these will contribute to higher water levels which can help offset the need to import water from other places.
To quote Bob Dylan, it doesn’t take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. And you don’t need a degree in meteorology to know that California has been beset by drought conditions for quite some time. In addition to the efforts that city and county government are taking to increase the water supply, we as individuals can also take steps to reduce our personal water usage. One of these involves the use of native plants, plants which are native to our region and specifically the Sun Valley area.
The use of native plants which is touted by Sun Valley’s own Theodore Payne Foundation can have a great effect on water usage because the plants that have thrived in this area for centuries are drought tolerant. We live in a dry area and the plants which have survived are those that have become accustomed to the dry conditions we experience. Using these native plants will reduce the amount of water needed to maintain your yard.
You may have seen some of these plants on your walks or drives around Sun Valley and not given them a second thought but there are many and they are beautiful. Just one example is the Hoary California Fuschia. The bright red flowers add a splash of color to any garden and this plant grows well in hot, dry conditions.
Check Your Zone
Before you go out and buy plants or seeds you will want to check with your local nursery and identify those plants that grow in your particular zone. Of course, in Sun Valley it’s easy for us to hop on over to the Theodore Payne Foundation to get their recommendations as well as the purchase of plants suitable for your home.
Native plants like the aforementioned fuchsia require less water which means your utility bills will decrease and the amount of water available to the rest of us will increase. It’s a win-win situation. So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce costs as well as save water, California native plants our beautiful way to achieve both.
